Overdue Portrait
This is a very good friend of mine named Fidel. I don’t exactly know what year I met him but we’ve done so much work together, sung together and built a great friendship over the years. Fidel is an amazing bass player and is the owner of a auto body shop in Hollywood, CA that restores amazing vehicles. Fidel was in a rock band called Little Caesar for many years which may have influenced his look to some extent. For years I always thought, “I really would love to photograph him” but I never thought my portraits skills were what they needed to be to due his face justice. I love the fact that he’s such a sweet, humble and wonderful guy but let’s be honest, doesn’t he look like he could really hurt you right here? I mean come on! I am so humbled that he said yes to a portrait session and at the same time am very proud of this image.
When I think of “Personal Brand Photography”, I think of this image. This is the image Fidel uses on his companies Instagram page, Theatrical Auto Body. He is using his face and his look to portray a level of expertise and that he takes his work very seriously.
I love working with different people, organizations and businesses to help them represent their goals well.
Details:
Canon 5D Mark IV
File Type: RAW
Lens: 70-200mm L
ISO: 200
Shooting Mode: Manual
Shutter: 1/200
Aperture: f4
This was a two light setup, one light on the floor behind him pointing up at the gray paper backdrop (ProFoto Compact 600R). One over head light (ProFoto Compact 600R) inside a ProFoto 36” OctoBox. After the session the file was converted from color to black and white in Lightroom, along with some other general editing. For someone just attempting this type of look you need to know that the overhead light is actually out in front of your subject, so the light spills on to the subject rather than lighting them directly. This is a tricky technique but one that is softer on the subject and can bring out some amazing drama and lessens harsh highlights.
Until next time….
